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Sharks out of Playoffs

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BOSTON (Feb.27)—The Simmons Sharks girls' basketball team suffered an upsetting 78-46 loss against the top-seeded Emmanuel College Saints last night at the Jean Yawkey Center, which will keep the team from advancing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Tournament.

The outcome against the Sharks' main rival did not come as a shock to players on either team because of Emmaunel's impressive 20-6 season, compared to that of Simmons, which went 10-15, players said.

Both teams wanted the win last night, especially the Sharks whose members had hoped to redeem themselves after a loss against the Saints in January.

In the past, the stands have been packed with competitive supporters of both teams. Last night's game was no different. The gym at Emmanuel filled up quickly, and both team's fans appeared ready for an intense game.

The Sharks players had demonstrated their desire to be in the tournament by winning six of their last nine games, including a dramatic 90-85 win against Rivier that secured their eighth-seeded position in the tournament.

Maureen Azor, a self-described avid Sharks fan, arrived early to get a good seat before the big game. "I love to come out and support my team, and I have faith that tonight we will finally destroy Emmanuel," said Azor.

Taneisha Vilma, an injured freshman player for the Sharks, sat on the bench and cheered on her team as they fought to advance in the tournament.

Emmanuel took an early lead, but the Sharks fought hard and were only down by 10 points going into halftime. After the break, however, Emmanuel came out ready for the win and, with about seven minutes left in the game, they took an astounding 33-point lead over the Sharks.

After the Sharks loss last night, team members walked out of the gym with their heads down, saddened by their devastating defeat but already thinking about next year.

"We tried as best as we could, and I think this loss will make our team stronger," said Vilma. "The positive experiences I have had throughout the season are way more important than our advancement in the tournament. We will leave here today happy knowing that we made it this far and gave it all we got."

The Sharks ended the season with a slight improvement from last year's 9- 16 record.

Though they lost last night there were standout performances by the many of the players. The team captain, Lauren Kreckie, scored 16 points. Senior Nikki Cohen scored 12 rebounds and nine points in her last collegiate game.

Emmanuel will host its next game against fourth-seeded Johnson and Wales University Friday night at the Jean Yawkey Center.